Balrampur (UP): Impressed with state government's scheme of providing free laptops and tablet computers to youths, other states have now started following the Uttar Pradesh model by making similar announcements, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said.

"Other states are now emulating Uttar Pradesh model and announcing that they will distribute free laptops and computer tablets to youth," Akhilesh, who was in Balrampur to attend a function, said.

The Chief Minister reiterated his party's stand on FDI in retail, and said his government will not implement it in Uttar Pradesh. Acknowledging that there is no substitute to employment, Akhilesh said his government is providing allowances to unemployed youths, and efforts are being made to create more job opportunities in the state.

On delay in announcing state advisory price for sugarcane, he said it will be declared soon and farmers will get a good price for their produce.